Perhaps the only film in history almost as highly advertised as the movie “Minions,” “Deadpool” finally slashed its way into theaters this past weekend. After years of trying to launch the film, director Tim Miller and star Ryan Reynolds are enjoying massive box office numbers already.
Fans of the “X-Men” movies will already be familiar with the character of Deadpool, though this time his onscreen appearance is a little different-mostly due to the fact that his mouth is not sewn shut. If it had been, this would’ve been a much different film. In this version of the character Deadpool, Reynolds takes full advantage of his ability to vocalize.
The film starts with the man behind the Deadpool mask, Wade Wilson, working as a freelance mercenary. It’s through the base of this operation, Sister Margaret’s School for Wayward Children (essentially a bar for mercenaries), that Wade meets Vanessa, the love of his life. Wade and Vanessa progress happily along for a while, eventually becoming engaged. Then Wade is diagnosed with cancer.
In a last attempt to find a way to be cured, Wade agrees to an offer made to him by a mysterious Agent Smith. That offer goes about as well as you’d expect. I won’t spoil anything, but one thing leads to another, and Wade becomes the Deadpool of the previews. Now on a quest for vengeance and to save his girl, Deadpool sets out on a bloody mission of revenge.
First of all, a disclosure: this movie is definitely not for children. Or one to go see with your parents. Or maybe even one you want to go see yourself. There is a decent amount of language, nudity and violence.
Adult content aside, “Deadpool” was an entertaining and unique take on the superhero genre of film that’s all the rage these days. Instead of following the traditional formula of battle scenes and explosions (insert any hero here), “Deadpool” makes fun of that formula and superhero movies in general. In fact, there’s not much Deadpool doesn’t make fun of.
Observing the technique of breaking the fourth wall (in other words, talking directly to the audience), Reynolds as Deadpool has a constant flow of quips and comebacks full of snarky asides and pop culture references. Reynolds so perfectly blends into the role of Deadpool it almost seems as if he’s just playing himself, but with super powers.
In addition to Reynolds, Colossus (Stefan Kapicic) and newcomer Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand) also provide stellar performances as the only two members of the X-Men to appear. Deadpool’s fiancé Vanessa (Morena Baccarin) gives an impressive performance, able to keep pace with Reynolds and his quips without breaking a sweat. Deadpool’s best friend and bartender of Sister Margaret’s, Weasel (TJ Miller), was the perfect dry counterpart to Reynold’s quick wit. All of the characters were well cast, and they worked together like a well-oiled sarcastic machine.
As far as the plot goes, it did seem to progress rather quickly, even though the movie was nearly two hours long. Also, not all of Deadpool’s snarky asides were the funniest, and at times came across as just something to say to fill the silence. The language, violence and nudity may also prove to be a distraction from the plot for some. But overall, I really enjoyed “Deadpool” and was not disappointed.
